For steaks
Gaucho - £$$£ but I reckon lovely http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/
Goodmans - http://www.goodmanrestaurants.com/ - great also a bit £$
Hawkesmoor http://www.thehawksmoor.co.uk/ - going next next week, let you know how it goes
JW steakhouse - haven't been but heard its good http://www.jwsteakhouse.co.uk/menu/dinner.html
For the chefs - http://www.markymarket.com/MarkyMarket/fresh_food_from_the_markets.html - gets stuff straight from the market for you...
Mexican - they are all in my hood or surrounds so can't tell you about others in Lon - also I'm biased and love Mexican!
Santo www.santovillage.com - these were great - http://instagr.am/p/HC4or/
Crazy Homies http://www.crazyhomies.com/ - going here next week, sent you invite.
Wahaca - chain but I like em www.wahaca.co.uk
Taqueria http://www.taqueria.co.uk/
Mestizo http://london.mestizomx.com/menus - they do this cool, £2 taco and cheap beer night in their weird basement club thingy - can't rem when, maybe Thursdays?
Food blogs which I am obsessed with:
http://www.burgerac.com/
http://youngandfoodish.com/ - excellent summary on burgers also and pizza places!!
2011-07-08
2011-05-18
Paris Hotels
SOUTH
https://henri-paris-hotel.com/en/map.html - Latin Quarter nr Notre Dame
Hotel Le Brun - Recommended by Nazanine - CLOSED
The hotel is Hotel Le Brun, located rue Lebrun near les Gobelins station (not far from Place d'Italie, south of Paris center). It's really well located and the area is really safe, the hotel is simple and clean (TV, telephone and bathroom in rooms) and I'm always sending my friends there and they're always happy with it.
Don't take the breakfast there, you'll find loads of cafés around to have a proper one! Last time the price of the doublebedroom was 55 euros per night for 2 persons and there was no need to give any credit card details, just a simple booking was OK.
The details are:
Hotel LeBrun
33 rue LeBrun
Paris 13e
Tél : +33 (0)1 47 07 97 02
Fax : +33 (0)1 43 36 23 45
Hotel Diana
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d567154-Reviews-Hotel_Diana-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
73 rue Saint Jacques 75005 Paris France
Tel : +33 (0)1 43 54 92 55
http://www.hotel-diana-paris.com/
Located in the heart of Paris, the Diana Hotel welcomes you with a family atmosphere in the Latin Quarter.
23 airconditioned rooms, recently renovated, equipped with private bathrooms, toilets, satellite TV, telephone and hair-dryer...
1 person : 73 €
2 persons : 90 €
Breakfast : 8 €
MARAIS
http://www.hotelsaintongeparis.com
http://www.hotel-rivoli-paris.com/ https://www.booking.com/Share-SZAPwGe
Hotel Rivoli Paris
NR LOUVRE
Hotel Louvre Richelieu
51, rue de Richelieu 75001 PARIS Tél : 01.42.97.46.20
Métro: Pyramides / Palais Royal Fax : 01.47.03.94.13
Hotel in Paris close to Louvre, near the Opera House.
Cheap Rooms (With bathroom)
Single - EUR$102
Double - 102
Twin - 122
3 - 132
4 - 156
Was there in 2005 and the rooms were quite decent, actually a lot better than we expected. Cheap and good location.
https://henri-paris-hotel.com/en/map.html - Latin Quarter nr Notre Dame
The hotel is Hotel Le Brun, located rue Lebrun near les Gobelins station (not far from Place d'Italie, south of Paris center). It's really well located and the area is really safe, the hotel is simple and clean (TV, telephone and bathroom in rooms) and I'm always sending my friends there and they're always happy with it.
Don't take the breakfast there, you'll find loads of cafés around to have a proper one! Last time the price of the doublebedroom was 55 euros per night for 2 persons and there was no need to give any credit card details, just a simple booking was OK.
The details are:
Hotel LeBrun
33 rue LeBrun
Paris 13e
Tél : +33 (0)1 47 07 97 02
Fax : +33 (0)1 43 36 23 45
Hotel Diana
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d567154-Reviews-Hotel_Diana-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
73 rue Saint Jacques 75005 Paris France
Tel : +33 (0)1 43 54 92 55
http://www.hotel-diana-paris.com/
Located in the heart of Paris, the Diana Hotel welcomes you with a family atmosphere in the Latin Quarter.
23 airconditioned rooms, recently renovated, equipped with private bathrooms, toilets, satellite TV, telephone and hair-dryer...
1 person : 73 €
2 persons : 90 €
Breakfast : 8 €
MARAIS
http://www.hotelsaintongeparis.com
Hotel Rivoli Paris
NR LOUVRE
Hotel Louvre Richelieu
51, rue de Richelieu 75001 PARIS Tél : 01.42.97.46.20
Métro: Pyramides / Palais Royal Fax : 01.47.03.94.13
Hotel in Paris close to Louvre, near the Opera House.
Cheap Rooms (With bathroom)
Single - EUR$102
Double - 102
Twin - 122
3 - 132
4 - 156
Was there in 2005 and the rooms were quite decent, actually a lot better than we expected. Cheap and good location.
2011-02-07
Roma Tips
Navona: Cafe Peru
Via Giulia 84 , Phone: 06.6861310
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/restaurants/review.asp?n=cafe+peru&s=navona
Reviewed by: RichardLS from USA, review #3118
When: 2008
Excellent coffees and atmosphere.
Directions: end of via Giulia near Piazza dell Oro.
The Cafe Peru also known as Bar Giulia was just around the corner from our apartment on Vicolo Orbitelli. Literally a 20 second walk.. I timed it. It is a small space but there are three tables outside on the street via Giulia. The street is quiet and not busy with cars and scooters. Several locals come here daily.
The place is run by wonderfully smiling friendly people. An older gentleman always made my cappucino in the morning. He would always draw a happy face in the foam for me. The cappucino was so delicious. I could have drank them all day. He taught me how to use the spoon to get all the foam and flavor out of the cup. They also served different kinds of croissants.
In the evening an older couple would be there serving people. They did not speak English but they always made me feel welcome and always smiling. It was nice to sit outside in the evening and enjoy watching the people walk by. This is not a busy street so you could enjoy the quietness of the neighborhood. It was really an elegant area. many antique shops and a bookstore across the street.
One time the police were called by the barista. There was a drunken bum asking patrons for money. Four police were there so fast... all on motorbikes and driving up and down the Via Giulia looking for the drunk. It was odd that he just walked up the street to the police. One escorted him away to the bus stop. We never saw the drunk again. I know Romans do not like public drunks and this showed me how serious they take care of it.
It was always a pleasure to visit Cafe Peru at 84 via Giulia. I think some guidebooks and others may have the address at Via Giulia 89. But it is actually #84 which is the next block. There is an elegant and modern wine shop and cafe next door where you choose the bottle from the front room and go to the back room to enjoy it.
http://www.best-of-rome-italy.com/rome-italy-restaurants.html
Coffee in Rome
http://www.thestar.com/article/798713
http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/en/
Apartment
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/rome/15790
Via Giulia 84 , Phone: 06.6861310
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/restaurants/review.asp?n=cafe+peru&s=navona
Reviewed by: RichardLS from USA, review #3118
When: 2008
Excellent coffees and atmosphere.
Directions: end of via Giulia near Piazza dell Oro.
The Cafe Peru also known as Bar Giulia was just around the corner from our apartment on Vicolo Orbitelli. Literally a 20 second walk.. I timed it. It is a small space but there are three tables outside on the street via Giulia. The street is quiet and not busy with cars and scooters. Several locals come here daily.
The place is run by wonderfully smiling friendly people. An older gentleman always made my cappucino in the morning. He would always draw a happy face in the foam for me. The cappucino was so delicious. I could have drank them all day. He taught me how to use the spoon to get all the foam and flavor out of the cup. They also served different kinds of croissants.
In the evening an older couple would be there serving people. They did not speak English but they always made me feel welcome and always smiling. It was nice to sit outside in the evening and enjoy watching the people walk by. This is not a busy street so you could enjoy the quietness of the neighborhood. It was really an elegant area. many antique shops and a bookstore across the street.
One time the police were called by the barista. There was a drunken bum asking patrons for money. Four police were there so fast... all on motorbikes and driving up and down the Via Giulia looking for the drunk. It was odd that he just walked up the street to the police. One escorted him away to the bus stop. We never saw the drunk again. I know Romans do not like public drunks and this showed me how serious they take care of it.
It was always a pleasure to visit Cafe Peru at 84 via Giulia. I think some guidebooks and others may have the address at Via Giulia 89. But it is actually #84 which is the next block. There is an elegant and modern wine shop and cafe next door where you choose the bottle from the front room and go to the back room to enjoy it.
http://www.best-of-rome-italy.com/rome-italy-restaurants.html
Coffee in Rome
http://www.thestar.com/article/798713
http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/en/
Apartment
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/rome/15790
2008-10-01
2008-08-28
Boisdale Restaurant - Belgravia
http://www.boisdale.co.uk/
===Amanda===
3/5 - Terrine of ham hock and braised wild rabbit with Madeira marinated prunes, piccalilli & melba toast
Usually not a fan of piccadilli, so lord knows what i was thinking!
Perhaps under pressure I cracked and chose quickly. The terrine was fine, nothing really special. I didn't really taste rabbit. So why did I choose it? The prunes, I love prunes in dishes and I was expecting the maderia prunes to be a subtle but standout flavor but it was sparse and lacking. Melba toast was a highlight, but much too small a portion, to be eaten with that wedge of terrine.
4.5/5 - 7 oz Rib eye Fillet with freshly shaved summer black truffle, soft polenta & Parmesan
Delicious. Steak was lovely, though my only criticism was that it was medium and not medium rare.
The truffle, polenta, parmesan was an unexpectedly great combo. The polenta was soft as stated but not too wet. Might have to try replicating this at home.
I ordered bernaise sauce (I love bernaise) but probably could have done without.
===Marcelle===
3.5/5 - Haggis with a jus of some description and mashed potato and sweet potato.
Granular, robust, overtures of offal, no sniff of the
sang within. Should be devoured by someone who spends the days
labouring outside in a moody, harsh climate. . Someone who will eat
whatever is placed in front of them and be grateful for it. The 'jus'
is just a justification for serving it as a restaurant dish. The nip of
whisky served with it was "keeping it real"
3/5 - Pork sausage on mash
Again, solid and rustic. Chunks of pork in this restaurant produced sausage. Some herbs, some salt but a dash of a spicy sauce or a mix of grainy mustard would have enriched the meat no end. Couldn't get through two pork sausages. I blame the haggis but for the labourer in the unmerciful climate - it would have hit the spot.
===Zarna===
4.5/5 - Salad of Baked ricotta, peaches, baby spinach, chicory & toasted pine nuts with a sweet gooseberry
Fantastic presentation which left the sweet gooseberry sauce to a minimum... Which set of the slight bitterness of the baked ricotta. I was impressed as I usually suffer from an allergic reaction to peaches not on this occasion... The peaches were semi-cooked but did not have that soggy fruit feeling...The spinach was of the best kind and the toasted pine nuts finished the dish of perfectly.
3.0 - Fish of the Day - Salmon with an Avocado concoction
This dish did not tickle my taste buds much... The salmon was boneless but average and not in proportion to the amount of avocados overtaking my plate. Far to much omega 3 separated by some foliage.. Not a memorable dish....
===Hannah===
3.5/5 - Pot of crab salad with chilli, accompanied by avocado and toasted bruschetta
Aesthetically pleasing and delightful to the tastebuds. The avocado lacked the vibrant, fresh green that I usually associate with it (it had been made too early and had therefore oxygenated so had dulled in colour) and an extra piece of bruschetta wouldn't have gone astray....
The crab pot was refreshing and light - a very good starter.
4/5 - Rib eye fillet with salsa verde, rocket and creamy mash.
The steak itself had been slightly overcooked, meaning that although it was flavoursome, it was dry and a little leatherish.
The salsa verde was the bright green that it's supposed to be, with a decent amount of oil in it making it a proper sauce rather than purely blended herbs. The mash was a perfect consistency, creamy and comforting. Topped off with fresh rocket, this dish was a balance of hearty and light and made for a solid, pleasing main course.
===Amanda===
3/5 - Terrine of ham hock and braised wild rabbit with Madeira marinated prunes, piccalilli & melba toast
Usually not a fan of piccadilli, so lord knows what i was thinking!
Perhaps under pressure I cracked and chose quickly. The terrine was fine, nothing really special. I didn't really taste rabbit. So why did I choose it? The prunes, I love prunes in dishes and I was expecting the maderia prunes to be a subtle but standout flavor but it was sparse and lacking. Melba toast was a highlight, but much too small a portion, to be eaten with that wedge of terrine.
4.5/5 - 7 oz Rib eye Fillet with freshly shaved summer black truffle, soft polenta & Parmesan
Delicious. Steak was lovely, though my only criticism was that it was medium and not medium rare.
The truffle, polenta, parmesan was an unexpectedly great combo. The polenta was soft as stated but not too wet. Might have to try replicating this at home.
I ordered bernaise sauce (I love bernaise) but probably could have done without.
===Marcelle===
3.5/5 - Haggis with a jus of some description and mashed potato and sweet potato.
Granular, robust, overtures of offal, no sniff of the
sang within. Should be devoured by someone who spends the days
labouring outside in a moody, harsh climate. . Someone who will eat
whatever is placed in front of them and be grateful for it. The 'jus'
is just a justification for serving it as a restaurant dish. The nip of
whisky served with it was "keeping it real"
3/5 - Pork sausage on mash
Again, solid and rustic. Chunks of pork in this restaurant produced sausage. Some herbs, some salt but a dash of a spicy sauce or a mix of grainy mustard would have enriched the meat no end. Couldn't get through two pork sausages. I blame the haggis but for the labourer in the unmerciful climate - it would have hit the spot.
===Zarna===
4.5/5 - Salad of Baked ricotta, peaches, baby spinach, chicory & toasted pine nuts with a sweet gooseberry
Fantastic presentation which left the sweet gooseberry sauce to a minimum... Which set of the slight bitterness of the baked ricotta. I was impressed as I usually suffer from an allergic reaction to peaches not on this occasion... The peaches were semi-cooked but did not have that soggy fruit feeling...The spinach was of the best kind and the toasted pine nuts finished the dish of perfectly.
3.0 - Fish of the Day - Salmon with an Avocado concoction
This dish did not tickle my taste buds much... The salmon was boneless but average and not in proportion to the amount of avocados overtaking my plate. Far to much omega 3 separated by some foliage.. Not a memorable dish....
===Hannah===
3.5/5 - Pot of crab salad with chilli, accompanied by avocado and toasted bruschetta
Aesthetically pleasing and delightful to the tastebuds. The avocado lacked the vibrant, fresh green that I usually associate with it (it had been made too early and had therefore oxygenated so had dulled in colour) and an extra piece of bruschetta wouldn't have gone astray....
The crab pot was refreshing and light - a very good starter.
4/5 - Rib eye fillet with salsa verde, rocket and creamy mash.
The steak itself had been slightly overcooked, meaning that although it was flavoursome, it was dry and a little leatherish.
The salsa verde was the bright green that it's supposed to be, with a decent amount of oil in it making it a proper sauce rather than purely blended herbs. The mash was a perfect consistency, creamy and comforting. Topped off with fresh rocket, this dish was a balance of hearty and light and made for a solid, pleasing main course.
2007-09-12
Jules Destrooper
A friend at work bought these biscuits in - Almond thins.
They are the best, fantastic, amazing!
http://www.frucon.net/destrooper/index.htm
"A very delicate biscuit based on pure butter, candy sugar and ripe soft Portuguese almonds. It was launched in 1886 by the founder Jules Destrooper who used it as a corporate gift-item"
These biscuits were the original famous ones...amazing...
General Rating & Repeat Visit: *****
They are the best, fantastic, amazing!
http://www.frucon.net/destrooper/index.htm
"A very delicate biscuit based on pure butter, candy sugar and ripe soft Portuguese almonds. It was launched in 1886 by the founder Jules Destrooper who used it as a corporate gift-item"
These biscuits were the original famous ones...amazing...
General Rating & Repeat Visit: *****
2007-03-07
Venice Hotel
In Jan 2005, Dario - Betty's Italian friend managed to find us a hotel in Venice.
This was Al Leon - http://www.hotelalleon.com/
Castello, Campo St. Filippo e Giacomo 4270 / 4279 - 30122 Venice - ITALY
phone: +39 041-2770393 fax: +39 041-5210348
P. IVA 03030500270 leon@hotelalleon.com
It was fantastic! and very cheap for what we got. Excellent location about 5 mins from Piazza St Marco. Very friendly staff. Clean lux rooms. Warm in the winter.
Breakfeast was standard.
Highly Highly recommended.
General Rating: *****
Repeat Visit: *****
This was Al Leon - http://www.hotelalleon.com/
Castello, Campo St. Filippo e Giacomo 4270 / 4279 - 30122 Venice - ITALY
phone: +39 041-2770393 fax: +39 041-5210348
P. IVA 03030500270 leon@hotelalleon.com
It was fantastic! and very cheap for what we got. Excellent location about 5 mins from Piazza St Marco. Very friendly staff. Clean lux rooms. Warm in the winter.
Breakfeast was standard.
Highly Highly recommended.
General Rating: *****
Repeat Visit: *****
2006-11-29
Caryca - Krakow
After meeting some locals and drinking some killer shots with them...
Vodka shots, Vodka, Tabasco & Rasberry Cordial shots, Vodka and Baileys shots...
We drunkenly stumbled to a recommended night club:
Caryca
Two floors, Three dance floors, HEAPS of fun!
Talent Rating: ***
General Rating: ****
Repeat Visit: *****
Vodka shots, Vodka, Tabasco & Rasberry Cordial shots, Vodka and Baileys shots...
We drunkenly stumbled to a recommended night club:
Caryca
Two floors, Three dance floors, HEAPS of fun!
Talent Rating: ***
General Rating: ****
Repeat Visit: *****
Piekny Pies - Krakow
On the weekend I went to Krakow, to meet up with Willy and his brother & Tom.
It was awesome. We went out one night for a drink and stumbled upon Piekny Pies (Beautiful Dog!)
We met up with a Hospitality Club guy (Pawel) and his mate. Had a few drinks and a chat. It was LOVELY!
Here Willy fell in love with the bar maid.
Address:
ul. Jana 18
Telephone:
+48 (12) 4214552
Talent Rating: *****
General Rating: ****
Repeat Visit: *****
It was awesome. We went out one night for a drink and stumbled upon Piekny Pies (Beautiful Dog!)
We met up with a Hospitality Club guy (Pawel) and his mate. Had a few drinks and a chat. It was LOVELY!
Here Willy fell in love with the bar maid.
Address:
ul. Jana 18
Telephone:
+48 (12) 4214552
Talent Rating: *****
General Rating: ****
Repeat Visit: *****
2006-10-01
Oktoberfest, the greatest Beer festival in the world
After managing to book an expensive hotel, 2 months in advance (nothing was left!!), in what seemed like the furthest place from the Weisen, my cousin and got there.
I didn't think I would have such a FANTASTIC time
Weekend Beer Count:
Jase - 1 pint weiss, 4 steins, 4 steins
Amanda - 1 bottle pilsner, 3 steins, 1.5 free steins - thanks to the Italians for that one!
Weekend Food Count:
Jase: Mixed Grill, Two 0.5 meter bratwursts, 1 Haxe im semmel, one 0.5 meter bratwurst, 1 expensive salmon, many bits of giant pretzels, Pumpkin Soup, Thai noodles with finally some vegetables!!
Amanda: Sausages and Potato salad, 1 normal bratwurst, many bits of giant pretzels, 1 Haxe im semmel, 1 normal bratwurst, Pumpkin Soup, Indonesian rice dish - with finally some vegetables!!
We made some great new friends and here are the results.
General Rating: *****
Repeat Visit: *****
I didn't think I would have such a FANTASTIC time
Weekend Beer Count:
Jase - 1 pint weiss, 4 steins, 4 steins
Amanda - 1 bottle pilsner, 3 steins, 1.5 free steins - thanks to the Italians for that one!
Weekend Food Count:
Jase: Mixed Grill, Two 0.5 meter bratwursts, 1 Haxe im semmel, one 0.5 meter bratwurst, 1 expensive salmon, many bits of giant pretzels, Pumpkin Soup, Thai noodles with finally some vegetables!!
Amanda: Sausages and Potato salad, 1 normal bratwurst, many bits of giant pretzels, 1 Haxe im semmel, 1 normal bratwurst, Pumpkin Soup, Indonesian rice dish - with finally some vegetables!!
We made some great new friends and here are the results.
General Rating: *****
Repeat Visit: *****
                                                                                        |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)